'Star Wars: Han Solo' movie release date, plot news: Chewbacca's origin will also be explored

Han Solo and Chewbacca as seen in A New HopeLucasfilm

The upcoming as-yet-untitled "Star Wars" spin-off movie centering on infamous space pirate Han Solo and his origins has just been confirmed to include Chewbacca. According to The Wrap, the news comes directly from Disney CEO Bob Iger himself.

Iger initially discussed Disney's plans and hopes for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," which is the first spin-off film in the works, before he began discussing the company's plans for future spin-off films, including the Han Solo movie.

"We have others in the works, including one, which is an origin story about Han Solo and Chewy," Iger stated in the report. "And that'll come after 'Star Wars 8' in 2018. And then there'll be possibly be more thereafter."

The report points out that Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew shared via social media that he was going to make a vital announcement soon and this is now speculated to be a confirmation of his return to play Chewbacca in the spin-off. 

Despite the Han Solo spin-off taking place in the past, back when Han Solo was younger, Chewbacca would still be roughly the same. According to a report from Cinema Blend, Chewbacca was already roughly 200 years old by the time he first appeared in "A New Hope" so taking events a few decades back would hardly affect his age and performance.

The report states that the film may explore how Han Solo and Chewbacca met for the first time, how they acquired the Millennium Falcon and how they became partners and space pirates.

While Harrison Ford reprised the role of Han Solo for "The Force Awakens," a much younger actor will have to portray the character in the spin-off film. According to the report, there are already several contenders being considered, such as Miles Teller, Logan Lerman, Ansel Elgort, Jack Reynor, Emory Cohen and Dave Franco.

The as-yet-untitled "Star Wars" film on Han Solo will hit theaters on May 25, 2018.